Watch- Shamar Joseph robbed in broad daylight as TV umpire sends shockwaves with Travis Head decision
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Dropping catches in test cricket now seems a regular sight—Indian fielders at Headingley to West Indies fielders at Barbados. West Indies' young paceman Shamar Joseph rattled the Australian top order with a stunning spell first up.
Despite some help from his fielders, West Indies dropped four catches on the field; otherwise, Shamar Joseph should have finished with a five-wicket haul. However, the milestone was missed due to a controversial decision upheld by third umpire Adrian Holdstock.
In the 46th over of play, Australian middle-order batter Travis Head slashed his bat at a wide delivery outside the off-stump. There was a distinct noise as the bat passed, taking an edge off Travis Head's bat back in the hands of wicket-keeper Shai Hope.
Hope did not catch the ball very cleanly, as it immediately threw the umpires into doubt; however, a huge appeal from Shamar Joseph prompted umpire Nithin Menon to refer it to the third umpire.
After the UltraEdge confirmed Travis Head's edge on the ball, the West Indies players had started to celebrate; however, third umpire Holdstock took his own time and ruled a decision in favour of the Aussie batter. The umpire said there was no conclusive evidence of the ball cleanly entering Shai Hope's gloves.
Watch the controversial dismissal here:
Did Travis Head get lucky? 👀
— FanCode (@FanCode) June 25, 2025
Shamar Joseph thought he had him, but was it clean? Fair call or a missed chance? 🤔#WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/MKeZe2iRTT
Shamar Joseph keeps his word against Sam Konstas
Shamar Joseph made an early warning to Australian youngster Sam Konstas, who has been picked for Australia's tour to the West Indies, marking the exit of Marnus Labuschagne. Joseph hinted at a warning towards the Aussie opener with a statement made to the press.
However, no one knew that the West Indies quick would resort to his words in this fashion. He delivered a series of beamers to the 19-year-old before trapping him right in front of the wickets. He was dismissed lbw and marked the downfall of the reshaped Australian top order.
Seales and Joseph dissect through Australian batting lineup
The Aussies have been in sheer trouble with the opening position ever since the retirement of Australian great David Warner. Aussies have tried players like Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne at the top, though none of these batters have fit right into the shoes of veteran David Warner.
West Indies quicks delivered with continuous success, as they struck wicket after wicket against the visitors. The revamped Australian top order was 3 wickets down for 22, as Konstas, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis were all dismissed too early.
Travis Head came into bat at no. 5 and built on a great partnership with Usman Khawaja. Khawaja was dropped twice by the West Indies fielders, while Head survived when his catch to Shai Hope was turned illegal by the third umpire, thus denying a fifth wicket to pacer Shamar Joseph.
After the partnership was broken with Khawaja's wicket, the Aussies marked a terrible collapse with 7 wickets falling for just 69 runs.
Australian Quicks give it back to the West Indies top-order
After a disastrous performance from the Australian batting side, the Aussie pacers once again brought them back into the game.
New-ball bowler Mitchell Starc had two early wickets with the new ball. He first dismissed Braithwaite with an edge caught low at second slip by Beau Webster. He next dismissed John Campbell as the hosts were reduced to 16/2.
Inform Keacy Carty and debutant Brandon Kings added some runs to the West Indies innings, as skipper Pat Cummins returned with the wicket of Carty in his opening spell.
Josh Hazlewood finished the day with nightwatchman Jomel Warrican's wicket. The West Indies are also sinking, with 4 wickets down for 57 runs on the scoreboard.
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Tagged:
Travis Head Shamar Joseph jayden seales Australia National Cricket Team West Indies National Cricket Team Pat Cummins Sam Konstas Mitchell Starc Usman Khawaja Australia vs West Indies West Indies vs Australia ICC World Test Championship
